2024 Educational Workshop, Annual Meeting & "DO 6" Awards
OCTOBER 10 & 11, 2024Each year, PA Route 6 Alliance brings community leaders and tourism professionals across the 11 County PA Route 6 Heritage Region together in its “Heritage Community of the Year” for two full days of learning, networking, and celebrating Pennsylvania’s scenic Route 6.
Honesdale was presented with “Heritage Community Of The Year” Award in 2023. Their mission to work to promote, build, and invest in their community can be witnessed while passing through, but we invite you to join us to experience Honesdale with your feet on the ground! Our Educational Workshop will feature a walking tour of Downtown Honesdale, which includes part of our Public Art & Mural Trail.
REGISTRATION CLOSES SEPTEMBER 26TH
THIS YEAR’S THEME: CommUNITY Through Outdoor Recreation Economies
Each year, the PA Route 6 Alliance brings community leaders and tourism professionals across the 11 County PA Route 6 Heritage Region together in the “Heritage Community of the Year” for two full days of learning, networking, and celebrating Pennsylvania’s scenic Route 6.
In 2023, Honesdale was distinguished with the “Heritage Community of the Year” Award, a testament to its endeavors in promoting, developing, and investing in the local community. While it can be witnessed passing through, we invite you to join us to experience Honesdale with your feet on the ground!
During the Educational Workshop on Thursday, October 10th, participants will learn how outdoor recreation can bring together various communities, attract and retain residents, and engage community members. PA Humanities and Community Heart & Soul will demonstrate their unique method of resident story telling that leads to a Community Action Plan. We will open up for a Panel Discuss, which will include the Lackawaxen River Trails, PA Humanities, Community Heart & Soul, and Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau!
Following our morning session at 6th & River, a revitalized undergarment factory, we will embark on a Fall Foliage Excursion and enjoy the scenery and lunch aboard the Stourbridge Line. Local historian Jeff Hiller will provide insights into how the preservation of Honesdale’s locomotive heritage has contributed to the local economy. You’ll have free time to explore downtown Honesdale before joining local leaders for a walking tour to learn more about current projects happening in the area. The day will end with a fun Networking Reception at Runaway Train Brewery.
The Annual Meeting and “DO 6” Awards will take place on Friday, October 11th at 6th & River. We are honored to announce Nathan Reigner, Director of Outdoor Recreation at DCNR, as our Keynote Speaker. Nathan will address statewide initiatives aimed at unifying, growing, and strengthening Pennsylvania’s outdoor industry to bring about economic, health, and conservation benefits across the Commonwealth. PA Humanities and Community Heart & Soul are presenting the impact of Action Plans within a community, and how outdoor recreation fits into it. The Alliance will deliver a summary of this year’s accomplishments and next year’s goals, and recognize a select few outstanding individuals and groups during the annual “Do 6″ awards ceremony. These individuals, organizations, businesses, and corporations embody the mission of the PA Route 6 Alliance, which is to protect, preserve, and enhance the scenic, cultural, historical, and recreational resources of Pennsylvania’s northern tier.”
Agenda
2024 Educational Workshop, Annual Meeting & “DO 6” Awards
Thursday, October 10th – Friday, October 11th
Stick around Honesdale Saturday & Sunday for PA Route 6 Artisan Trail Maker’s Market in conjunction with the Harvest & Heritage Days Festival!
Day 1 – Thursday, October, 10, 2024
9:00am – 9:30am
6th & River
525 Church Street, Honesdale, PA 18431
Educational Workshop Registration,
Networking & Sponsor Displays
9:30am – 12:30pm
6th & River
525 Church Street, Honesdale, PA 18431
Educational Workshop
Learn how outdoor recreation can bring together various communities, attract and retain residents, and engage community members.
Learn how outdoor recreation can bring together various communities, attract and retain residents, and engage community members. PA Humanities and Community Heart & Soul will demonstrate their unique method of resident story telling that leads to a Community Action Plan. We will open up for a Panel Discuss, which will include the Lackawaxen River Trails, PA Humanities, Community Heart & Soul, and Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau!
12:30PM – 2:30pm
Stourbridge Line
812 Main Street, Honesdale, PA 18431
Stourbridge Line Train Ride
Embark on a Fall Foliage Excursion and enjoy the scenery and lunch aboard the Stourbridge Line. Choo-choo!
Local historian, Jeff Hiller, will provide insights into how the preservation of Honesdale’s locomotive heritage has contributed to the local economy. Includes bagged lunch prepared by Market 13. Train departs at 1PM from 812 Main Street, Honesdale, PA 18431, and returns back to the same location at 2:30PM.
2:30PM – 4:00pm
Free Time
Explore Honesdale!
Honesdale is filled with lovely local shops perfect for finding souvenirs for yourself or gifts for others. See what speaks to you in the windows of Gather, Maude & Main, or Wallflower. The WCAA Gallery & Artisan Shop has 2 floors of art exhibition space and an Artisan Shop filled with items to purchase from 30+ members! Check out the The Cooperage Project, or discover incubator business spaces at the Stourbridge Project. Learn more about Honesdale here.
4:00PM – 5:00pm
12th Street
Walking Tour
Join local leaders for a walking tour through downtown Honesdale to learn more about current projects and public artworks.
The Downtown Honesdale Revitalization Plan is a comprehensive effort to breathe new life into the historic downtown area of Honesdale. The plan focuses on enhancing the district’s walkability and attractiveness to both residents and visitors alike. This includes improving lighting, sidewalks, crosswalks, and other infrastructure, as well as promoting new businesses and revitalizing existing ones. The goal is to make Honesdale a more vibrant and attractive destination for shoppers, diners, and tourists, while also preserving its unique character and history. By investing in its downtown area, we can create a sustainable future for our community and increase our economic vitality.
5:00PM
Runaway Train Brewery
2 Chapel Street, Honesdale, PA 18431
Networking Reception at Runaway Train Brewery
All aboard! Join us for hors d’oeuvres, dinner buffet, and more! Let the LOCO be your MOTIVE.
Enjoy networking time with live music, darts, and pool table at Runaway Train, a D&H Brewing Co. Concept. You’re invited to track back through time as a passenger on a special journey. Celebrate the rich history of the railroad while sipping the finest craft beers in Pennsylvania and dining alongside the legendary D&H railroad tracks. Hop aboard and taste a part of history, raise a glass to legacy, and behold an ‘XBeerience’ you will not soon forget!
Day 2 – Friday, October, 11, 2024
9:00AM - 9:30AM
6th & River
525 Church Street, Honesdale, PA 18431
Annual Meeting & “DO 6” Awards Registration,
Networking & Sponsor Displays
9:30AM - 2:00PM
6th & River
525 Church Street, Honesdale, PA 18431
Annual Meeting & “DO 6” Awards Registration,
Networking & Sponsor Displays
The Alliance will deliver a summary of this year’s accomplishments and next year’s goals, and recognize a select few outstanding individuals and groups during the annual “Do 6″ awards ceremony.
We are honored to announce Nathan Reigner, Director of Outdoor Recreation at DCNR, as our Keynote Speaker. Nathan will address statewide initiatives aimed at unifying, growing, and strengthening Pennsylvania’s outdoor industry to bring about economic, health, and conservation benefits across the Commonwealth. PA Humanities and Community Heart & Soul are presenting the impact of Action Plans within a community, and how outdoor recreation fits into it. The Alliance will deliver a summary of this year’s accomplishments and next year’s goals, and recognize a select few outstanding individuals and groups during the annual “Do 6″ awards ceremony. These individuals, organizations, businesses, and corporations embody the mission of the PA Route 6 Alliance, which is to protect, preserve, and enhance the scenic, cultural, historical, and recreational resources of Pennsylvania’s northern tier.” The awards ceremony will be followed by a lunch buffet and networking time.
Day 3 – Saturday, October, 12, 2024
10:00AM - 4:00PM
Downtown Honesdale
Harvest & Heritage Days PA Route 6 Artisan Trail Maker’s Market
Vendors and artisans are lining Main Street in Honesdale 10am to 4pm.
10AM – 4PM
- Vendors & Hayrides
10AM – 2PM
- Pumpkin Painting Station for the kids
- Wood Carving Demonstrations
Shop our stores and their beautiful fall decorations. Grab a bite to eat at any of the fabulous restaurants in the Downtown or the surrounding area.
Day 4 – Sunday, October, 13, 2024
10:00AM - 4:00PM
Downtown Honesdale
Harvest & Heritage Days PA Route 6 Artisan Trail Maker’s Market
Vendors and artisans are lining Main Street in Honesdale 10am to 4pm.
10AM – 4PM
- Vendors & Hayrides
10AM – 2PM
- Pumpkin Painting Station for the kids
- Wood Carving Demonstrations
- Corn Shucking Contest
Shop our stores and their beautiful fall decorations. Grab a bite to eat at any of the fabulous restaurants in the Downtown or the surrounding area.
LODGING ACCOMODATIONS
For further information and recommendations contact the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau.
Hotel Wayne
Honesdale, PA
Honesdale Loft
Honesdale, PA
Wonder
Honesdale, PA
The Lodge at Keen Lake
Waymart, PA
The Settlers Inn
Hawley, PA
Ledges Hotel
Hawley, PA
The Darby
Beach Lake, PA
Hotel Anthracite
Carbondale, PA
SPEAKER BIOS
Nathan Reigner, PhD
Director of Outdoor Recreation, DCNR
Nathan Reigner, Ph.D., is Pennsylvania’s first Director of Outdoor Recreation. He was instrumental in the establishment of Pennsylvania’s Office of Outdoor Recreation. Prior to beginning his service with the Commonwealth in 2021, Nathan was a member of Penn State’s research faculty and Principal of Recreation Tourism Science, an applied outdoor recreation consultancy. Throughout his career, Nathan has focused on helping communities, parks, trails, and tourism destinations deliver outstanding experiences while protecting their essential character. Reigner has worked in and with more than 100 national and state parks, forests, trails, historic sites, and heritage areas in more than half the states and territories in the union and overseas in Europe, Asia, the Arctic, and the Middle East. A native of Pennsylvania, Reigner has a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and sociology from Gettysburg College, a Master of Science in Forestry from Virginia Tech, and a Doctorate in Natural Resource Management from the University of Vermont.
Molly Rodgers
Molly has lived in NEPA for more than fourty years. She worked as a textbook editor, a freelance writer and a library administrator, but is now retired. She volunteers for her favorite causes, including trail building in Wayne and Pike Counties. She is a member of the Lackawaxen River Trails group, which is partnering with counties, boroughs, and townships to plan and construct trails on land and water. She is married to Peter Rodgers, has one dog, two children, and two grandchildren – all of whom are avid trail users!
Jeff Hiller
Sales Consultant, The Stourbridge Line Rail Excursions &
Owner of Historic Honesdale LLC
Growing up on one of the 1,700 dairy farms in Wayne County in the 1960s, this shy country boy learned his work ethic from his parents. At 14, he went to work as a busboy at a popular local restaurant where he gained knowledge of the hospitality business and met his wife. They continued working there for the next thirty-two years before they bought a restaurant in the heart of “the financial district” in Honesdale. Coupled with a passionate interest in local history, and the hospitality learned in the restaurant business, Jeff spent nearly a decade on the board of the Greater Honesdale Partnership as President, seeing firsthand the impact tourism had on the local economy. In 2015, Tom Myles made a significant investment to bring the railroad back into operation as The Stourbridge Line Rail Excursions. Jeff is grateful to be part of their team and takes every opportunity to share all he has learned over the six decades of living here in the Birthplace of the American Railroad with visitors and locals alike.
Jim Hamill
Senior PTN Correspondent and PR Officer, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau
Jim grew up in Honesdale and moved back with his family in 2013. Jim skis and golfs and he grew up working at Keen Lake, Woodloch and loves exploring the Pocono Mountains. Previously, Jim was an anchor and reporter for more than 12 years at WNEP-TV. Jim, his wife and two children love experiencing so much of what the area offers from music festivals to delicious restaurants and breweries! He is also on Honesdale Borough Council, a proud Rotarian and is involved in the Lackawaxen River Trails.
Alice Trowbridge, RLA
Community Heart & Soul Coach
Alice Trowbridge is a registered landscape architect with 35+ years of experience in civic engagement; she is a certified Level II Community Heart & Soul coach. She was the project coordinator for Heart of Williamsport – a Heart and Soul project in the City of Williamsport – and now works in collaboration with PA Humanities coaching Community Heart & Soul for towns across Pennsylvania.
MAPPING OF EVENTS & PARKING
EVENT DOCUMENTS
EVENT SPONSORS
PA Route 6 Alliance thanks our generous for helping us make this event a success!
Platinum Sponsor
Platinum Sponsor
Platinum Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Bronze Sponsor
Bronze Sponsor
Bronze Sponsor
FUNDING PARTNERS
2024 “DO 6 ” AWARDS
The PA Route 6 Alliance recognizes individuals, groups, projects and communities that exemplify and advance the Alliance’s mission of protecting, preserving and promoting the scenic, cultural, historic and recreational resources across the 11-county corridor of PA Route 6. Awards in the following categories will be presented at the PA Route 6 Annual Meeting and “Do 6” Awards Program on October 11th in Honesdale, PA.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Presented to a person or agency who exemplifies outstanding leadership and advances our mission through heritage development.
HERITAGE PARTNERSHIP AWARD
Presented to a group, person or organization that has demonstrated excellence in historic preservation, cultural preservation, interpretation, and/or education through cross-corridor thinking and interagency cooperation.
HERITAGE TOURISM AWARD
Presented to a business or project that furthers economic and tourism development while respecting the heritage and cultural resources of the PA Route 6 Corridor.
ARTISAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
Presented to an artist or artisan group that exemplifies the goals of the PA Route 6 Artisan Trail program showing regional thinking and cooperation while promoting the arts along the corridor.
HERITAGE LEADERSHIP AWARD
Presented to a person(s), business or organization for meaningful contributions and/or through partnerships, by enriching our communities through landscape initiatives or historic preservation.
HERITAGE COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR
Presented to the designated Heritage Community, who are embracing their Heritage Tourism Work Plans and implementing worthwhile projects and showing impacts and results.
PA Route 6 Alliance would like to extend our deepest appreciation to this year’s Planning Committee Members.
James Hamill Public Relations Officer, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau
Sandi Levens Executive Director, Greater Honesdale Partnership
Derek Williams Community Grant Writer, The Wayne County Community Foundation
Kim Fisch
Randy Heller
Christine Dettore Regional Advisor, DCNR
Candace Hillard Executive Director, PA Route 6 Alliance
Rachel Courtney Program Manager, PA Route 6 Alliance
